The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland is launching a new fund, aiming to raise £20,000 in honour of the life and legacy of Richard Chester MBE – the visionary director of NYOS from 1987 to 2007, who passed away in 2020.
To celebrate the launch of the fund, NYOS Symphony orchestra will perform alongside guest soloist violinist Elena Urioste in Peth concert Hall on 15 July. Conducted by Martyn Brabbins, the current Music Director for English National Opera, the programme features music from Strauss, Elgar and Coleridge-Taylor.
NYOS Chief Executive, Kirsteen Davidson Kelly, says: ‘Richard launched NYOS Camerata in the 1990’s to create prestigious opportunities for orchestra members at a pivotal point in their musical development. Having played such a significant role in the lives of so many young people in Scotland, we aim to relaunch NYOS Camerata in 2024 with support from the new fund. We would like to thank the Chester family for their continued support and look forward to continuing Richard’s legacy to nurture, celebrate and widen access to outstanding youth orchestras, inspiring young people to realise their potential.’
Richard Chester’s career was broad, standing as principal flautist with eh Royal Scottish National Orchestra, performing in many chamber groups and as a soloist at home and abroad.
Tickets to the summer concerts in Aberdeen, Perth and Edinburgh can be purchased via nyos.co.uk and those wishing to find out more, or donate to the Richard Chester Creativity Fund, can do so via nyos.co.uk/news/the-richard-chester-creativity-fund.
